If you love tiramisu but want something lighter and more practical for busy mornings, these overnight oats hit the sweet spot. They’re creamy, coffee-kissed, and packed with protein, so you stay full for hours. You mix everything the night before, then wake up to a chilled, dessert-like breakfast that still feels wholesome.

The texture is soft and pudding-like, and the flavors are classic tiramisu without the fuss.

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What Makes This Special

Overhead shot of Tiramisu Protein Overnight Oats in a clear glass jar, layered: creamy coffee-yogurt

This recipe blends the comfort of oats with the indulgence of tiramisu. You get the espresso notes, a hint of cocoa, and a velvety “mascarpone” vibe from Greek yogurt and a touch of vanilla. It’s a balanced, high-protein breakfast that doesn’t taste like “health food.” Best of all, it’s flexible—easy to adjust for sweetness, coffee strength, or dietary needs.

What You’ll Need

Old-fashioned rolled oats (not quick oats) – for the right texture
Unsweetened milk of choice (dairy or non-dairy)
Plain Greek yogurt (or dairy-free yogurt) – for creaminess and protein
Vanilla or unflavored whey/casein protein powder (or plant-based)
Espresso or strong brewed coffee – cooled
Chia seeds – to thicken and add fiber
Maple syrup or honey – to taste
Vanilla extract – for tiramisu-style flavor
Pinch of salt – to round out the sweetness
Unsweetened cocoa powder – for dusting and layering
Optional: A splash of rum or almond extract, dark chocolate shavings, cacao nibs, or a dollop of light mascarpone

How to Make It

Close-up detail of the final spoon-in moment: a heaped spoonful lifted from a chilled jar of tiramis

Brew the coffee. Make a shot of espresso or 2–3 tablespoons of strong coffee.
Let it cool completely so it doesn’t thin the oats.
Mix the dry base. In a jar or bowl, add 1/2 cup rolled oats, 1 teaspoon chia seeds, a pinch of salt, and 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (optional for a deeper chocolate flavor).
Whisk the creamy layer. In another bowl, whisk 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1 scoop protein powder, 1–2 teaspoons maple syrup, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and the cooled coffee. If using, add a tiny splash of rum or almond extract.
Combine. Pour the creamy mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir well until smooth and no clumps of protein powder remain.
Layer (optional but fun). Add half the oat mixture to your jar, dust with cocoa, then top with the remaining oats.
Finish with another light cocoa dusting.
Chill. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours, ideally overnight, so it thickens and the flavors meld.
Finish and serve. In the morning, stir and adjust thickness with a splash of milk if needed. Top with a dollop of yogurt or a spoon of light mascarpone, a final cocoa dusting, and chocolate shavings if you like.

How to Store

Keep the oats covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. If the mixture thickens too much, add a little milk and stir.

For meal prep, portion into single-serve jars so they’re ready to grab and go.

Benefits of This Recipe

High protein: Protein powder and Greek yogurt help with satiety and muscle recovery.
Fiber-rich: Oats and chia seeds support digestion and steady energy.
Lower sugar than dessert: You control the sweetness without losing the tiramisu vibe.
Time-saving: Make it once, enjoy for days.
Customizable: Works with dairy-free options, decaf coffee, and different sweeteners.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using hot coffee: It melts the yogurt and thins the mixture. Always cool it first.
Choosing quick oats: They can go mushy. Rolled oats hold up best.
Skipping the salt: A pinch makes the flavors pop and keeps sweetness in check.
Adding too much liquid: Start with the amounts listed; you can always loosen it in the morning.
Not mixing protein powder well: Whisk thoroughly to avoid gritty pockets.

Alternatives

Dairy-free: Use almond, soy, or oat milk and a coconut or almond yogurt.
Choose a plant-based protein powder.
Low-caffeine: Swap in decaf espresso or use coffee extract for flavor without the buzz.
No protein powder: Add an extra 1/4 cup Greek yogurt and 1 tablespoon nut butter for a protein boost.
Gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free oats.
Sweeter or less sweet: Adjust maple syrup or use stevia/monk fruit as desired.
Richer “mascarpone” feel: Fold 1–2 tablespoons of light mascarpone into the yogurt mixture.

FAQ

Can I make this without coffee?

Yes. Use milk in place of coffee and add 1/4 teaspoon coffee extract or simply skip the coffee flavors and keep the cocoa and vanilla. It won’t be classic tiramisu, but it will still be delicious.

How much protein is in a serving?

It varies by brand, but with 1/2 cup Greek yogurt and 1 scoop protein powder, you’ll typically get around 25–35 grams of protein per serving.

Do steel-cut oats work?

Not for this method.

They stay too chewy. Stick with old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture.

Can I warm it up?

Yes, gently heat in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. The coffee-chocolate flavor still shines, though the “tiramisu” feel is more dessert-like when served cold.

What if it’s too thick in the morning?

Add a splash of milk and stir until it reaches your preferred consistency.

Chia seeds continue to absorb liquid, so this is normal.

Final Thoughts

Tiramisu Protein Overnight Oats bring café flavor to your fridge with just a few pantry staples. They’re creamy, balanced, and satisfying without being heavy. Prep them tonight, and your morning self will thank you.

It’s the kind of breakfast that feels like a treat but fuels your day the right way.